Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a condition where the lower half of a patient's body is paralyzed and cannot move. It is usually the result of spinal cord injury or a congenital condition such as spina bifida, but polyneuropathy may also result in paraplegia. If the arms are also paralysed, quadriplegia is a more appropriate diagnosis.

Complications

Due to the decreased movement and inability to walk, paraplegia may cause numerous medical complications, many of which can be prevented with good nursing care. This includes pressure sores (decubitus), thrombosis and pneumonia. Physiotherapy, apart from in assisting in movement, may aid in preventing these complications.

Related Topics:
Pressure sore - Thrombosis - Pneumonia - Physiotherapy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~